On Independence Day, Musharraf Reaffirms Anti-Militant Stance

By SALMAN MASOOD

Published: August 15, 2005

President Pervez Musharraf on Sunday renewed his pledge to rid Pakistan of extremism as the country celebrated its 58th independence day under tight security.

Fears of a terrorist attack prompted the government to bolster security in major cities, putting up barricades and adding police patrols. But the only sounds filling the streets and neighborhoods here in the capital were those of celebration -- firecrackers, blaring patriotic songs and the honking of horns.

''We are out here to enjoy ourselves,'' said Iftikar Abbas, 48, a businessman from the neighboring city of Rawalpindi, who had come to Islamabad along with his wife and two children. Mr. Abbas was nonchalant when asked if the police barricades or the fear of a terrorist attack bothered him. ''People are used to such things now,'' he said.

In a televised address to the nation, General Musharraf asked his countrymen to reject the ''retrogressive elements, politically and socially, as they are opposed to progress.''

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, who presided over an indoor flag-raising ceremony here, echoed that theme. ''We have to send a message to the world that our society rejects extremism and is united against it,'' he said.

A heavy contingent of police officers was deployed throughout Islamabad, and even vehicles bearing official license plates had to go through a security check.

Earlier in the week, the United States Embassy issued a warning to American citizens not to visit the picturesque hill resort of Murree, about 40 miles east of the capital. ''There is new information indicating the potential for a sectarian attack in the city of Murree during the Pakistani independence day period,'' the advisory said, suggesting that Americans living in Murree ''restrict their movements to essential travel only.''

Pakistan's interior minister, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, said Saturday that some American citizens had received anonymous threatening letters. Greg Crouch, a spokesman for the American Embassy in Islamabad, said the mission had not received any threats other than the warning about Murree.

''We had received information that led us to believe that there was a threat to Americans in Murree,'' Mr. Crouch said. ''That is the latest, and there is nothing new.''

Six Pakistanis were killed in 2002 when several gunmen attacked a Christian missionary school in Murree.

Since 2001, General Musharraf's decision to side with the United States in its campaign against terrorism has elicited a strong reaction from hard-line Islamists who are angry at what they see as kowtowing to the United States.

Last month, General Musharraf ordered a countrywide crackdown against militants and the expulsion of all foreign students of religious schools, known as madrasas, from the country. Pressure has mounted on General Musharraf since the July 7 attacks in London.

Photo: Security was increased in cities during Pakistan's independence day festivities, which included this children's performance in Karachi. (Photo by Akhtar Soomro/European Pressphoto Agency)